As some of you know, I’ve been writing my first novel for some time now. I actually started it about seven years ago. Then life got in the way. We downsized and moved to a smaller home. About a year after we became slightly settled, I decided to get back into the thick of it However, I had also purchased a new laptop in the meantime and in the transfer, my novel went to cyber heaven. I wonder which cloud it may have entered.

Anyway, a group of my dear friends encouraged me to start writing it over again this year. The main characters were still in my head along with the story line, so I embarked on another journey.

I did a little more research on the writing of a novel and the general requirement for such a task, meant writing 60,000 words. Yikes, I thought, where shall I find that many words. At first it was difficult, but as I got into my characters’ lives, the words seemed to pour out like running water.

I was about half way to the finish line. I was actually quite proud of myself and then it happened again. With the tap of a button, I lost the whole thing – AGAIN! 30,000 words had vanished from my screen. I looked everywhere for them. Could God possibly be telling me I should give up on this adventure and turn my thoughts to something that might possibly help our quickly dissolving savings? I wondered if the material was too raw for a Christian writer, but then realized that life is raw. The Book I live by, the Bible, is filled with stories of infidelity, shame, abuse, addiction, sex, murder, stealing and every sin we’re exposed to in our sinful world.

Eventually I was able to find it. A few chapters were missing, but the core was there. I’m still plugging away at it. I’ve finally learned my lesson and have backed up my file in many ways. I put it on a flash drive. I made a back up copy. I sent a copy to my daughter to print and save. Now I have more motivation to finish it so I don’t have to fear having it go to the grave with me. Moral of this post – the handwritten word still works. Technology doesn’t always.

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About atimetoshare.me

As I reach the end of my years, I find I have a lot of good information stored up in this old decrepit mind of mine. If I don't write it all down, it may vanish and no one will have the advantage of my thoughts. This is why this blog exists. I love the Lord, Jesus with all my heart and soul. I know I'm undeserving of all He's done for me, but I also know that His love is beyond my comprehension.
I've always wanted to write. I never kept diaries, but tucked my thoughts in my head for future reference. I use them now in creating stories, plays, poetry and my blog.
I continue to learn every day. I believe the compilation of our time spent with God will have huge affect on the way we live. I know I'm a sinner and I need a Savior. I have One through Jesus, Christ.
My book, "Stages - a memoir," is about the seven stages of life from the perspective of a woman. It addresses all the things girls and women go through in life as they travel it with Jesus, and it is available on Amazon.com.

Yes, back-up copies are essential for written work, whether fiction or non-fiction, fun or serious work. I stress to my college students the need to back up their work (and using email as a back-up is a great idea). Once dogs ate homework; now it disappears when laptops crash. And I can’t grade work that has been eaten by dogs or by technology.
Having just gotten copies of my first novel, I’m excited for you and your writing. Keep plugging away; don’t get discouraged. Happy writing! J.

As I reach the end of my years, I find I have a lot of good information stored up in this old decrepit mind of mine. If I don't write it all down, it may vanish and no one will have the advantage of my thoughts. This is why this blog exists. I love the Lord, Jesus with all my heart and soul. I know I'm undeserving of all He's done for me, but I also know that His love is beyond my comprehension.
I've always wanted to write. I never kept diaries, but tucked my thoughts in my head for future reference. I use them now in creating stories, plays, poetry and my blog.
I continue to learn every day. I believe the compilation of our time spent with God will have huge affect on the way we live. I know I'm a sinner and I need a Savior. I have One through Jesus, Christ.
My book, "Stages - a memoir," is about the seven stages of life from the perspective of a woman. It addresses all the things girls and women go through in life as they travel it with Jesus, and it is available on Amazon.com.

As I reach the end of my years, I find I have a lot of good information stored up in this old decrepit mind of mine. If I don't write it all down, it may vanish and no one will have the advantage of my thoughts. This is why this blog exists. I love the Lord, Jesus with all my heart and soul. I know I'm undeserving of all He's done for me, but I also know that His love is beyond my comprehension.
I've always wanted to write. I never kept diaries, but tucked my thoughts in my head for future reference. I use them now in creating stories, plays, poetry and my blog.
I continue to learn every day. I believe the compilation of our time spent with God will have huge affect on the way we live. I know I'm a sinner and I need a Savior. I have One through Jesus, Christ.
My book, "Stages - a memoir," is about the seven stages of life from the perspective of a woman. It addresses all the things girls and women go through in life as they travel it with Jesus, and it is available on Amazon.com.